The X-Files

Standing beside X-Files fan disappointment that Season 11 would lack key franchise writers was the realization that again, only men were invited to pen Mulder and Scully’s return. Star Gillian Anderson certainly noticed as well; voicing her disappointment and adding a low quotient of female directors.

A gentle understanding behind The X-Files’ latest return held that Season 11 would correct the missteps of its predecessor; namely, more balanced writing. We’ll at least have more episodes to that effect, but the full writers list for the next X-Files revival is still missing some key names.

It’s that nightmare time of year again, as the major networks announce their schedules, renewals and cancellations in a flurry of information. First up is FOX, who confirm that more X-Files will wait until midseason, but hedge their bets on the Legacy of 24, or another Prison Break.

Well, they couldn’t wait eight years to reopen The X-Files, just to leave off on that insane cliffhanger, right? FOX finally got their act together, preparing a proper revival for Mulder and Scully with an expanded-order eleventh (and final?) season.

Here’s a little bit of free relationship advice for you: find someone who loves you like David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson love playing Mulder and Scully. It’s been more than two decades  —  two decades!  —  since both actors debuted their iconic characters on Fox’s The X-Files, and even after nine seasons, a movie, another movie, and a sorta-miniseries, neither one shows any signs of slowing down. In an era where audiences seem to demand that actors love their characters as much as we do, there’s something refreshing about two performers who come by such affection naturally. Anderson in particular is a powerhouse star of stage and screen, but get her talking about Dana Scully and she’s just as passionate as any of us.

Perhaps the only thing to stifle anticipation for another X-Files revival was the first X-Files revival, though FOX undoubtedly wants the chance to try again. That may soon become a reality, as network heads claim they hope to announce the next chapter “shortly,” potentially even for the next TV season.

There’s no telling when and if FOX will ever get another X-Files season off the ground, but we might have the next best thing. Parks and Recreation star Adam Scott and Office alum Craig Robinson will join forces for an X-Files type parody, Ghosted, a new single-camera comedy.

FOX did its best to restore The X-Files to its former glory by the returns of Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny and Chris Carter, even if the final product felt notably rushed and uneven. Season 11 remains an open possibility, as FOX claims to be in “significant talks” with all three cornerstones, with intent toward a longer season.

FOX’s upfront announcements have come and gone, cementing that The X-Files won’t return for another round just yet, even if its revival season cliffhanger left off on a pretty urgent note. David Duchovny has his own opinions on what a new season would need, but Gillian Anderson says FOX hasn’t even so much as inquired about her availability.

For all the anticipation going into FOX’s X-Files revival, few would argue that the awkward balance of mythology and stand-alone episodes over six hours made it difficult to gain much traction. Time will tell if Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny manage to coordinate for an eleventh season revival, though Duchovny at least believes the next round would need more than six episodes to do right.